Historically, radio frequency and microwave switches have historically relied on either electromechanical switches (which suffer from limited speed and reliability) or solid-state switches such as PIN diodes and field-effect transistors (FETs), both of which require continuous bias current to maintain their states, consuming significant power in modern communication systems. In particular, solid-state switches (PIN diodes and FETs) require continuous DC power to maintain their ON or OFF states, leading to substantial energy consumption particularly problematic for battery-operated devices and large-scale systems like 5G/6G base stations and Internet of Things networks. Emerging non-volatile RF switches based on phase-change materials (PCM) and other memristive devices have shown promise but are constrained by large switching energies, limited resistance modulation ratios (typically < three orders of magnitude), volatile behavior requiring thermal maintenance above transition temperatures, and low endurance.

Brief description not available

Brief description not available

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have expanded the knowledge on the rippled β-sheet, a protein structural motif formed by certain racemic peptides. Rippled β-sheets already show potential for Alzheimer’s research and drug delivery and leads to formation of hydrogels with enhanced properties. Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have further added to the structural foundation of rippled β-sheets, better understanding how rippled β-sheet formation can be controlled at the molecular level.

Brief description not available

Brief description not available

Brief description not available

The challenge in utilizing α-Linolenic acid (ALA) for medical adhesives has been its poor water solubility and the high hydrophobicity of poly(ALA), typically necessitating elevated temperatures, organic solvents, or complex preparation methods for tissue application. UC Berkeley researchers have developed ALA-based powder and low-viscosity liquid superglues that overcome this limitation by polymerizing and bonding rapidly upon contact with wet tissue. The versatile adhesives are formulated using a monomeric mixture of ALA, sodium lipoate, and an activated ester of lipoic acid. These adhesives demonstrate high flexibility, cell and tissue compatibility, biodegradability, and potential for sustained drug delivery as a small molecule regenerative drug was successfully incorporated and released without altering the adhesive's properties. Additionally, the inherent ionic nature of the adhesives provides high electric conductivity and sensitivity to deformation, enabling their use as a tissue-adherent strain sensor.